Leah O'Connell

Charlottesville family photographer

client tips, newborns

6 Reasons to Love Home Newborn Sessions

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I'm Leah!

I’m obsessed with stories of family, creativity, and simple joys.  A nostalgia nerd, educator, wife, and mom of 3, I believe life’s most fun when you’re dreaming big and having kitchen dance parties. 

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If you’re on the fence about booking a newborn session, you’re probably worrying about things like

  • what to wear

  • whether or not it’s worth the money

  • the way your home will look

  • if it will be stressful to have a stranger there with a new baby

All of these concerns are totally valid.

But also, they are all based on some pretty big assumptions about what a newborn session is “supposed” to be. And I do things differently.

I’m mildly obsessed with approaching newborn sessions with as much ease, grace, calm, and love as possible.

So here’s 6 of the top reasons why you can take a deep breath and trust that in-home newborn sessions with me are a new parents’ best friend.

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1. You’re in your comfort zone

Getting photographed can be intimidating to some people and often brings up ideas about performance and anxiety.

I can’t tell you how many times inquiries have come in with the disclaimer “(insert person in family) hates getting his/her picture taken.”

But in a casual atmosphere with bare feet, your favorite chair, and coffee in hand, the only expectation is that you are present.

You don’t have to dress up. You don’t have to do extreme posing. 

Eat a bagel. Let the dog lick your plate. Read the newspaper. Throw a load of laundry in. It’s all fine.

2. Take the pressure off.

You don’t even have to pack bags to leave the house with changes of clothes and bottles for “just in case.” Just let me come to you, make photos of this blurry and wild stage that will make your heart swell, then help you get them in your hands to enjoy forever.

Sounds a lot better, right?

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3. Flexibility

At in-home newborn sessions, we go with the flow. We take breaks as needed, so if your two-year old throws a fit, the baby needs to eat, or there’s a massive blowout situation – yes, I’ve seen it all.

These dynamics are still very new to everyone and we can take as much time as needed for your session without having to handle it all in one small room for hours. But also, I work quickly and efficiently, so sessions rarely (like basically never) last more than 1.5 hours on the long end.

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4. Your home is part of your story.

The pictures on the fridge, the careful details of the nursery, the books on your bedside table, the quilt thrown over the couch that grandma knitted and you curl up in every night together for storytime…

Whether it’s a temporary cramped apartment with 70’s wallpaper or your forever home, it’s part of this season and worth telling.

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 5. Easily include pets.

Yep, again, they’re part of your story. They’re family. They’re loved and will grow alongside the little lives in your home. But not forever. 

They’re just as important to get in the frame and that’s so easy to do at home.

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6. Your session will be one of a kind.

Your story is unique so your photos of it should be, too.

You won’t see the same flower crown, fur blanket, or basket in your images as countless other babies. Instead, you’ll have context around the space that will mold your child’s memories for her whole life.

Pretty cool, right?

Do you love this style of newborn photography, too? If you’re interested in learning more about sessions, reach out with all your questions. 

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Hi, I'm Leah.
Family photographer, writer, educator.

I’m  one of the first to meet your newborn baby, the one who won't judge your clothes baskets and unmade beds, and the one who can capture the way your husband looks at you with a twinkle in his eye after 12 years of marriage. I believe in honoring people and telling stories.

I believe art has the power to light up the world in dark places, starting at home.